30 September, 2011

GAA star faces fitness & financial battle after coma

Mark McGovern, the GAA player who was seriously injured in a match in the US earlier this summer, has regained consciousness after over a month in a coma.

The 22-year-old, from the Belcoo O'Rahilly's club in Fermanagh, was hurt while playing in his debut for Ulster GAA club San Francisco in July.

His family has maintained a vigil at his bedside in San Francisco General for the last five weeks.

Deirdre Donnelly from the Fermanagh County Board said the club was 'delighted' that Mark was making progress.

She said there was still 'a long road ahead' and that Fermanagh GAA wanted to continue its support. A spokesperson for the Belcoo O'Rahilly's club, which has been organising a series of fundraising events for the young player, said everyone at the club was 'extremely pleased' with the news.

Mark McGovern before his injuries

Mr. McGovern took out travel insurance before leaving for the U.S.; however, his insurance did not cover injuries sustained during GAA matches and he now faces medical bills in excess of US$1million. A "Mr. Power" is still being investigated by San Francisco Police in relation to the incident which led to Mr. McGovern's injuries and near death.